Carolina Panthers HC Dave Canales wants QB Bryce Young to master the offense

In the world of football, progression and growth are key factors that define a quarterback's journey, especially when it comes to mastering the complexities of the game. Bryce Young, the young quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, has been under the watchful eye of head coach Dave Canales, who has closely monitored his development and has been vocal about his observations. Canales’s comments provide insight into Young’s evolution as a player, highlighting his mastery of the playbook, his ability to make smart decisions, and his relentless drive to improve every day.

Canales emphasizes the importance of mastery in Young’s development process. "We want mastery, and so we don't move on from concepts quickly until we find mastery of what we're doing," Canales states. This approach ensures that Young is not just learning the plays but fully understanding and executing them to perfection. The idea is to build a solid foundation before moving on to more complex aspects of the offense. For Young, this has meant focusing on mastering each day, reviewing the plays thoroughly, and improving incrementally. Canales notes, “We just expect him to master the day, master it with the walkthrough in the afternoon before, come in, have your review in the morning. We get on the practice and try to execute it, and he's just gotten better, a little bit better every day."

This methodical approach seems to be paying off. Canales has seen noticeable improvement in Young’s gameplay, particularly in his pocket presence and decision-making under pressure. "I get excited about, okay, pocket's over, time to move, and he keeps his eyes downfield and found some nice completions," Canales mentions. This ability to extend plays and make accurate throws on the move is a critical skill for any quarterback, and Young is showing he can handle it. Canales is also pleased with Young's pre-snap mechanics, noting that his intentionality and movement are aspects they will continue to push and refine.

Young’s vision and aggressiveness have also been points of praise. When asked about a specific play where Young moved out to his right and made a precise throw to Ian Thomas, Canales highlighted Young's "fantastic aggressive eyes" and his ability to read the field even after the play has broken down. "He’s being able to find some explosive plays in there," Canales explains, illustrating Young's knack for making big plays even when under duress. This ability not only trains Young but also the entire team, including the defense, to stay engaged and ready for extended plays.

However, despite the positives, Canales is candid about Young’s performance, describing it as "good, not great." He acknowledges that Young will likely be his own toughest critic, but he also points out that when the protection is solid and the concepts are clear, Young executes with precision. "He was accurate, just like we've seen all camp," Canales notes, underscoring the consistency that Young has displayed throughout the preseason.

Canales is also encouraged by Young’s leadership qualities, which have been growing steadily since last year. Young’s ability to stay constant and consistent, regardless of the challenges he faces, is a trait that Canales believes will serve him well as he continues to develop. "I think just the focus and his ability to just kind of stay constant, to stay consistent throughout the whole thing. And that's who Bryce is," Canales remarks, reflecting his optimism about Young's future.

While Bryce Young is still on his journey to greatness, the signs are promising. With a coach like Dave Canales guiding his development, focusing on mastery, and refining his skills day by day, Young is on the right path. The progress he's made so far, both in terms of mechanics and leadership, suggests that he is well on his way to becoming a formidable force in the NFL.